Peter W. Hirsch

Peter W. Hirsch, 86, of Battle Creek, died February 3, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Chicago, the eldest son of Robert W. Hirsch and Agnes (Bunescu) Hirsch. Growing up in Lawton, Michigan, he attended St. Mary’s of Paw Paw and St. Joseph Seminary of Grand Rapids before graduating from Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. Peter spent two summers in Mexico performing missionary work while learning Spanish. He attended Western Michigan University and earned a Juris Doctor at Detroit College of Law. While attending law school, he was employed by Detroit’s Commission on Children and Youth.

Peter was known for his kindness, compassion, and quiet strength. He was grateful for enjoying a long, satisfying and comfortable life with his loving wife Mary of 57 years. He found strength in their enduring bond. He was proud of his wife and two daughters, Christine Hirsch and Karla (Hirsch) Carrigan. A lawyer by profession and an advocate by calling, he began his legal career as an Assistant Prosecutor for Calhoun County. He later worked with his brother, attorney Thomas Hirsch, and developed an appreciation for and satisfaction in striving to guarantee a fair trial for those accused of a crime. He devoted his career to fighting for others and giving a voice to those who needed one most. He practiced law in the Battle Creek community for over 40 years, primarily as a partner in the firm of Hirsch & Hofman. He served as a past board chairman of the local legal services organization as well as past chairman of the Calhoun County Democratic Party. He believed the law was not just a profession, but a responsibility to ensure no one was overlooked or unheard.

Peter is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife, Mary (D’huyvetter) Hirsch, two daughters and son-in-law, Christine Hirsch of Corvallis, Oregon, and Karla and Jason Carrigan of Littleton, Colorado; granddaughters, Marieke and Stefanie Carrigan; two brothers, Thomas (Mary) Hirsch of Kalamazoo, and Robert (Ellen) Hirsch, Jr. of South Bend, Indiana; nephews Sean, Andrew, and Tim Hirsch; and sister-in-law Sandy Alexander.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Hirsch, nephew David Hirsch, and niece Maureen Boyce.

Peter had a gift for making people feel seen and valued with his kindness and patience. He made a lasting difference to those whose lives he touched. A celebration of life will be planned in the spring honoring Peter’s memory. Please contact the family for further details.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Peter may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.